#Watch serial number verification bvlgari serial numbers#
Then, look if the serial numbers on the case and bracelet match. > Serial numbers: start by verifying if the serial number is placed where expected. > Weight: fake watches are made with cheaper materials, so they tend to be lighter than the original. Another warning sign to look for is when some of the watch's functions, like sub dials, don't work.
A mechanical movement sweeps smoothly around the face, whereas a quartz movement ticks between points. The movement of the watch is usually a good indicator of its authenticity, so you can have the internal mechanisms of the watch checked by an appraisal.
A loud ticking sound may indicate you are dealing with a counterfeit. > Movement and sound: luxury watches are usually very quiet, because of their smooth and highly complex mechanisms. Gold watches should be hallmarked, and you should be aware of watches sold without a case or with poor packaging. A fake watch's face will display a different tint, for example, because of the lower quality materials. The face of a genuine designer watch is usually made of precious materials. When the color or finishings seem off, the links of the bracelet don't move smoothly or the clasp looks too simple and misses the brand's standards (a stamp inside the folding mechanism, for example), or there are scratches and signs of peeling, the piece may be counterfeit. If you are handling a new Rolex with a clear case back, it is likely fake. Brands like Rolex, for example, don't have glass backings, except a rare model from the 1930s. > Materials: original watches will display high-quality materials and distinct markings on the bracelets and clasps. Are the logos properly centered? Are the engravings crisp and easy to read? Does the typeface match the brand's shape and size? Are there any spelling errors? Once you identify the stamps and engravings, pay close attention to them. > Engravings and stamps: a fake watch isn't made with the highly strict quality requirements of original luxury pieces, so obvious spelling or engraving mistakes, for example, will give it away.Įach brand places stamps of authenticity in different parts of the watch, so it is important to know the specifics of the brand and model you are searching beforehand. Counterfeit pieces are made to mislead the buyer, so it is very important to verify some important details, such as: Now that you know what to look for, it's time to be thorough.
When searching online, also avoid providers with little feedback or low reviews, low-resolution images and lack of detailed information. Researching and choosing a reliable seller beforehand will highly increase the safety of your purchase, and reduce the chances of buying a counterfeit piece.Īlways suspect of stores whose location and decor don't match what is expectable from a reliable luxury seller. When it comes to new watches, the best option is to find an authorized dealer. Whether you are buying online or at a store, always look for well established, reputable sellers. The more you know about the brand and what to expect from the piece you are searching, the better equipped you will be to confirm if it is, or not, the real deal. You should also look for details of that specific brand or model that would give away a fake watch, like stamps, engravings, the type of clasp, backing or bracelet. You can search through the brand's websites or online auction databases to gather images and learn the prices for which the pieces were sold. You should learn what the models you are looking for should look like, how they should sound, weigh and feel. The first step is to gather detailed information about what you intend to buy. If you are looking for a new wristwatch or plan to invest in a collector's item, here are seven steps to identify and avoid counterfeits: However, along with exquisite originals, the market is also flooded with deceiving counterfeits.Īs fake high-end watches become more and more convincing, extra care must be taken when buying a piece. Luxury watches, new or vintage, are beloved by collectors all over the world.